Rail contractors warned after Jarvis fine

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a reminder to rail contractors of the need for proper planning and risk assessment, even for routine tasks.

The reminder follows last Friday's conviction of maintenance contractor Jarvis Facilities for a breach of health and safety law.

Jarvis was fined £4,000 by Harrogate Magistrates Court after being found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 during rail repair work at Tollerton railway sidings, near York, in May 2001.

Two employees of Jarvis Facilities received injuries while unloading materials - one man suffered electrical burns and a broken ankle while using a lorry-mounted HIAB crane and a second man who was in contact with the lorry suffered an electric shock.

Speaking after the case, HM Inspector of Railways David Bestwick said: "This incident occurred because insufficient attention had been given to the risk associated with a lifting operation.

"Fortunately in this case there was no loss of life but the circumstances demonstrate the need for robust planning and risk assessment, even for routine and familiar tasks."